Otto’s Pumpkin Patch vs. The Great Deer Invasion
Autumn is in full swing here in Pennsylvania, and at Otto’s Pumpkin Patch, we’ve been nurturing a beautiful crop of pumpkins — from the classic orange jack-o’-lantern favorites to a few mighty Atlantic Giants destined to be the pride of the patch.
But nature, as always, has its own plans.
Enter the Deer. Stage Left.
Late one crisp evening, under the pale moonlight and rustling oak leaves, a local buck decided to help himself to the buffet. And what did he go for first? Not the small ones. Oh no. He went straight for the big guys — our Atlantic Giant pumpkins. Juicy, sweet, irresistible.
He didn’t just nibble politely. He devoured them.
Otto is NOT Amused
Otto, our loyal and ever-vigilant German Wirehaired Pointer, has taken this very personally. This isn’t just a food heist. This is war.
Normally a stoic sentinel of the patch, Otto has been on high alert ever since the incident. He’s pacing the rows. He’s barking at shadows. He’s sniffing out every hoofprint with the intensity of a detective on a crime show.
He cornered me this morning (figuratively, of course) with a determined look in his eyes and a single message:
“This means war.”
What Do We Do Now?
We’re facing some big questions:
Do we need more fencing?
Should we start a night watch?
Do we need to hire a Deer Hunter?
(Don’t worry — we’re talking about the humane kind, with strong flashlights, motion sensors, and maybe a podcast to keep them company in the cold.)
Let’s be clear: we love our local wildlife. But when the line between forest and farm gets blurred, the pumpkin patch suffers. And Otto? He’s not backing down.
To the Buck Who Raided Our Patch:
You’re clever, quick, and undeniably handsome. But this is your official warning: Otto is watching.
Stay out of the patch. Or prepare for some very enthusiastic barking.
—
📍 Otto’s Pumpkin Patch
Family-owned. Deer-opposed.
Now with extra security (and fur).
The Pumpkin Patch Boss
As the last golden days of summer melt into the crisp promise of fall, one very tired—but proud—German Wirehaired Pointer named Otto surveys his backyard kingdom. For months, Otto has faithfully watched over the family pumpkin patch, barking at crows, chasing off curious squirrels, and patrolling the vines like a true guardian of the gourd.
This year’s patch was no small feat. The summer sun was relentless, drying out the vines faster than usual, but Otto didn’t let that stop him. With his wiry coat dusted in soil and his nose always close to the ground, Otto stayed on duty from sunrise to sunset, ensuring every pumpkin got the attention it deserved.
Thankfully, he had a little help.
His younger sister Brynn, a bundle of energy and mischief, joined in the harvest this past week. While she might have been more interested in bounding through the leaves and inspecting each pumpkin with sniffs and snorts, her enthusiasm made the job a little lighter. Together, they helped bring in the best of the patch.
The Scarface and Grizzly Bear pumpkins were the clear stars—unique, rugged, and bursting with character, just like Otto himself. And the Atlantic Giants? Let’s just say Otto gave an approving huff after checking them out, then promptly flopped down beside the biggest one for a well-deserved nap.
Now, with the vines curled and dry and the pumpkins safely gathered, Otto can finally rest. He’s earned it. The patch is ready for autumn, filled with bright orange orbs and the scent of turning leaves. Soon there will be cider, pumpkin carving, and maybe—if he’s lucky—a cozy spot by the fire.
But for now, Otto stretches out in the cool grass, paws muddy and eyes heavy, dreaming of pumpkins and the long summer he spent as the Pumpkin Patch Boss.
Good job, Otto. You did it. 🎃🐾
